Resources

WELCOME TO IDVA'S VETERAN RESOURCE HUB

There are so many times we can get stuck looking for resources and it is very overwhelming to sift through all the information produced from an internet search. This page acts as a filter so that you can find the resources you're looking for, either with a direct link to the site or PDFs that offer additional information. Many of these places we have worked with before to assist with services outside of our agency.

If you do not find a resource in your area you can go to Connect2Help or call 211 to filter your needs based on your area.

If you or someone you know is having a crisis or harmful thoughts/actions, please call the Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 and press 1. You can also text to 838255 or chat online. All means of correspondence are confidential and anonymous.

For a list of resources to assist during the coronavirus pandemic, please click HERE. 

Discounts

Education

Employment

Family, Youth & Elders

Financial Assistance

Financial Guidance

Home Ownership, Modifications & Repairs

Homelessness & Transitional Housing

Legal

Medical

Military

Miscellaneous

Peer 2 Peer Support

Volunteering

Discounts

*you will need to present verification of military service*

Military Discounts Offered by Stores, Services and Online Sites (Military Benefits)

Military Offers (ID.me)

The 130 Best Military Discounts (Deal News)

Military Discounts From 230+ Stores & Services (Brad's Deals)

Everyday Veterans Discounts & Services (American Legion)

The 145+ Best Military and Veteran Discounts in 2019

Looking for services from a Veteran Owned Business? Look to see what's available through the Indiana VeteranOwnedBusiness.com Directory

For Indiana

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Education

• The Department of Workforce Development offers information on how to advance your education, and expand career opportunities, by providing high school equivalency testing and other training to get you started on a career path at multiple locations
• With multiple locations, The Excel Center offers tuition-free education to earn your high school diploma through flexible schedules
• The Office for Veterans and Military Personnel at IUPUI offers specialized staff who understand and wish to accommodate to those who have served and their families
• Central Indianapolis Ivy Tech - Indy Women In Technology (IWiT) offers women who are interested in a stable and advanced technological career the opportunity to attend classes, tuition free, while also providing other expenses that may hinder someone from attending, such as child care & transportation.
• Search for apprenticeships in your area through the Presidential Executive Order to expand apprenticeships throughout the States

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Employment

• Search through our Veteran Opportunity Partners to see if there is something for you in your area that is hiring right now!
  • Not sure about how your resume looks or need additional helping finding a career? Our employment team is here to help - complete the online application and a team member will get back with you.
  • What we use to help you: O*Net helps convert military experience in to civilian understanding
  • Not sure what you want to do or what your options are? Google has implemented a way to search careers based off your MOS. Simply enter "job for (MOS) veterans" in the Google search.
• Look for career opportunities through some of these sites:
  • Hire A Hero​
  • USA Jobs
  • IN State Personnel Department
  • Department of Workforce Development and WorkOne offer job searching, training and workshops
  • Operation: Job Ready Veterans provides employment transition seminars that cover resume writing, interview preparation, networking and much more!
• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will help with job training, employment accommodations, resume development, and job seeking skills coaching. See if you are eligible for VR&E or other similar services.
• Don't let a felony stop you from having a stable job - there are felon-friendly employers you can reach out to see if they are hiring
• Google Launches New Tools to Help U.S. Veterans Find Jobs & Promote Businesses - read more in the Forbes article
• Are you facing unemployment and don't know how to file? Visit this Indiana Department of Workforce Development's "File for Unemployment" page to learn more
• Home Helpers Home Care provides the ultimate employment opportunity for trailing family members, and our partnership with MSEP (Military Spouse Employment Partnership) helps qualifies military family members to find careers with local Home Helpers offices

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Family, Youth & Elders

• WIC is a nutrition program that offers food essentials, referral and resources to families that have expecting moms through a child of the age of 5
• Mission: Youth Outreach through the Boys & Girls Club provides a free membership to children ages 6-18 of a National Guard, Reserve or Active Duty service member
• Assistance League: Operation School Bell helps children (K-5) in need of school clothing
• United Way
• Indy's Child
• The Family Support Center, located at the Roudebush VA, has counseling available to veteran couples & families from a licensed military & family counselor
• VA Caregiver Support offers services, resources and information to the caregiver of veterans.
• Indiana Family Helpline offers resources to families in need of items such as clothing, housing, job training, food, pregnancy & women's health, etc.  They can be contacted at 1-855-HELP-1ST (1-855-435-7178) between the hours of 7:30AM - 5:00PM, Monday through Friday.
• If you're caring for a loved one at home, Just Friends Adult Day Services, which is located in Columbus, offers a variety of services for the person they care for, along with the caregiver.
• Child Care Assistance: You may be eligible for assistance based on your employment or military status
• You may qualify for Child Care Aware services, which offers financial assistance to families that are actively serving.
• The Air Force Home Community Care Program is for Air National Guard or Air Force Reservists that are needing child care during drill weekend.
• Emergency Assistance, Education Support and Community Programs are offered through Air Force Aid Society
• About Special Kids' resource directory has an extensive listing for parents looking for help with special needs children
• 4C of Southern Indiana provides child care resources and referral agency for Southwestern Indiana.
• The Hamilton County Youth Assistance Program offer assistance with free or low-cost counseling, mentorship, food & clothing needs, camp & recreational opportunities, and much more to parents and children.
• Reconnection Workshops (Red Cross)
• Home Helpers Home Care is partnered with Patriot Angels and Veteran Care Coordination (VCC) provide help with advocacy information so veterans know their benefits and can more easily access care. Veterans can use these services to obtain the Pension with Aid & Attendance benefit. Learn more about their in-home care assistance locations and services through their website, Home Helper.
• Family Focus Inc. programs offer assistance to families to further the structure of building healthy families, dealing with crisis situations, incorporating father engagement services, and many other counseling services. (Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Jasper, Newton, Starke, Pulaski, and Marshall Counties)
• Indiana Resource Center for Autism - find resources and information pertinent to individuals who are on the autism spectrum.
  • Additional resources available through My Autism Team
  • Camps & Programs for those with autism
• Free parenting course modules and phone app are available through Parenting for Service Members & Veterans.
• Parenting advise and information is available through the articles, blogs and information for service members and their families with Veteran Parenting.
• CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions provide services, such as resources, transportation, home modifications and caregiver/care management for elderly

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Financial Assistance

• The Indiana Department of Veterans' Affairs provides the Military Family Relief Fund, which is a one-time grant of up to $2,500 to be used for necessities that cannot be paid from the veteran seeking assistance.
• Helping Heroes of America assisted military personnel in covering unexpected expenses that arise
• ​Cars4Heroes provides a free vehicle that has been donated to those less fortunate in need of reliable transportation
• The Emergency Solutions Grant through HVAF assists with temporary financial services to those residing in Marion County
• National Emergency Fund provides immediate monetary assistance to cover the costs of immediate needs for Legion families following a natural disaster
• American Legion grants for the stability and betterment of children: Temporary Financial Assistance and Children's Education & Welfare Fund
• Honor Bound Foundation offers emergency funding and other necessities
• VFW Unmet Needs is a financial grant of to $1,500 to assist with basic needs. Apply online if eligibility criteria is met.
• Operation Homefront
• Mortgage modifications through Making Home Affordable

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Financial Guidance

• The Financial Resource List offers websites that include budget worksheets, education, advise and much more to regain financial stability
• By going to https://www.saveandinvest.org/, you can find tools and resources on how to protect & invest your money, military specific guides, learning how to teach yourself and children on money management, and much more! Receive information on your FICO Score and learn more about how FINRA can help you!
• Check out the ways Regions Bank can assist you through their programs and seminars
• Reading from Regions Bank:
  • ​How Do I Get Out of Debt?
  • Rules of Thumbs for Saving
  • Tips for Preventing Credit Card Fraud
  • How Much Should I Be Saving for Retirement?
  • Youth & Young Adult Education
• BMO Harris Bank PROGRAMS & OPPORTUNITIES FOR VETERANS. Contact Meloney Schludecker (317) 247-5002 or e-mail meloney.schludecker@bmo.com.
  • Small Business Opportunities & Solutions, along with payroll and personal banking services.
  • Credit Builder Loan Program: If you have limited or no credit established, we can work with you to help build it. Learn how with the BMO Harris Credit Builder Loan Program. Different from a traditional loan, it's a combination of a loan and savings program designed to help you build positive credit history.
  • BMO Harris Neighborhood Home Loan Product: 1. PMI not required, 2. 3% down payment with $1,000 from borrower funds, 3. Down payment assistance, 4. Refinance may also be eligible.
  • Bank at Work Program: participants can make real financial progress with access to a full suite of banking services, customized financial planning expertise and financial education resources.
  • Physicians' Mortgage Program: At BMO Harris Bank, we believe healthcare professionals spend their time helping others and now it is our turn to help them, especially when it comes to homebuying. That’s why we’re pleased to offer the BMO Harris Physicians’ Mortgage Program. Open to residents, fellows and existing or newly licensed medical doctors, the program is designed to help eliminate many of the roadblocks to mortgage financing faced by physicians. Plus, you can get up to a $200 closing cost discount.
  • Home Equity Line of Credit: Make the most of the equity in your home. You can use it to get the money you need to start a home renovation, consolidate your debt, or cover anything you could use extra money for.
  • BMO Harris Home Lending Affordable Mortgage Programs: Whether you want to apply for a home loan or refinance your mortgage, BMO Harris Mortgage Bankers can guide you through the process.
• Annually check your credit report from all 3 agencies through the Annual Credit Report site and Credit Karma without paying monthly prices
• Better Business Bureau - MILITARY & VETERAN CONSUMER INFORMATION 
• SaveAndInvest.org for the military
• Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Investor Education Foundation - Investor Education Library
• Jumpstart - Financial literacy for youth (K-12)

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Home Ownership, Modifications & Repairs

• Homes for Heroes offer homeowner rewards to those who served, or are currently serving, in the armed forces.
• Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority offers a wide variety of programs and assistance with home ownership, rental property seaches, weatherization, and home repairs.
• Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership (INHP) offers assistance with home repairs & modifications, navigating through the VA home loan process and offering educational home purchasing courses.
• Cook Realty & Associates assist Military, Police, Firefighters, EMTs/Paramedics, Healthcare Providers, and School Corporation Employees through the Community Heroes Rewards Program.
• Habitat for Humanity offers assistance to home ownership families who have a need and meet qualifications. Homeownership Info Sessions are every Thursday at 6.
  • Habitat for Humanity ReStore
• Operation Homefront works with veterans to provide mortgage free homes and other supportive services.
• Income Qualified Weatherization services are offered through Vectren.
• Servants at Work, Inc. (SAWs) builds wheelchair ramps to provide persons with disabilities and conditions of aging with the freedom to remain in their homes and reconnect with their communities.
• Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network
• Find rental listings on the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority site
• Community Action of Greater Indianapolis is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the reduction and ultimate elimination of poverty among the clients in its service area (Boone, Hamilton, Hendricks, Marion and Tipton)
• If you feel that you have been wrongfully turned away from your dreams of homeownership, the Fair Housing Center, which is a private, non-profit fair housing organization founded in 2011. Its mission is to ensure equal housing opportunities by eliminating housing discrimination through advocacy, enforcement, education and outreach
  • ​You cannot be discriminated against for any of the following reasons: race, color, religion, national origin, gender, familial status, or disability
• Rebuilding Together

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Homelessness & Transitional Housing

• Multi-Service Day Centers
  • Homeless Initiative Program (HIP)
  • Horizon House, Inc
  • Center Township Trustee
  • AMVETS
  • Volunteers of America
  • The Journey Home (Winchester)
  • HVAF
  • Supporttive Services for Veteran Families (SSFV) - Servinging the following counties: Marion, Madison, Shelby, Johnson, Hancock, Hamilton, Boone, Vigo, Clay
• Emergency Night Shelters (For single Males)
  • Wheeler Mission
  • Good News Mission
• Emergency Night Shelters (For Single Females)
  • Wheeler Mission Care Center
  • The Salvation Army Ruth Lilly Social Services
  • Queen of Peace Shelter​​​
• Emergency Night Shelters (For families with Children)
  • Dayspring Center
  • Holy Family Shelter
• Day Shelter for Youth/Teens
  • Outreach,Inc.
  • Stopover
• Domestic Violence
  • Julian Center
  • Legacy House
  • Coburn Place
  • Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence
  • Domestic Violence Network
• Food Pantries
  • Second Helpings
• Clothing
  • Eastern, Northern & Central Indiana
  • Clothing Vouchers
  • Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana

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Legal

• Indiana Legal Services, Inc. is a state-wide, nonprofit law firm providing free civil legal assistance to those who are low-income and meet other requirements. Apply by phone or online.
  • Be prepared: Gain legal knowledge and insight to different topics ranging from housing and family issues to public benefits and bankruptcy.
  • The Military Assistance Project: The MAP assists military members, veterans, and family members in Indiana and assists out-of-state military member, veterans and family members with legal cases in Indiana. An individual may qualify if they are low income. During intake, mention that you or a family member have served.
• Learn how you can be helped through the Veteran Justice Outreach may be able to help you, to include the possibility of expungement of certain convictions.
• Indianapolis Bar Association offers a multitude of varying resources
• Indianapolis Legal Aid Society offers services to low income families (less than 125% of the federal poverty guideline levels) for the following counties: Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Marion, Morgan, and Shelby.
• Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic (Indpls, Fort Wayne)
• National Veterans Legal Services
• Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program
• District 6 Access to Justice, Inc (New Castle)
• Heartland Pro Bono Council
• Volunteer Lawyer Program of Northeast Indiana may be able to assist with legal matters pro bono
• Ask A Lawyer has multiple events to learn your legal standing, obligations, etc. as well as offer advise. Both the website and Indianapolis Public Library site will show when the next upcoming event will take place

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Medical & Mental Health

• Medical centers are located at Roudebush VA Medical Center, VA Northern Indiana Health Care, and many smaller clinics
  • Information about how to enroll & receive health care, federal benefits, burials, and resources that you may be eligible to receive
  • Enroll in VA Health Care by email, phone, mail or in-person
  • Register on MyHealtheVet to correspond with your doctors through secure messaging, reorder prescriptions, and download your VA health records
• Kokomo Acute Care Treatment Team (620 North Bell Street, 46901) is available TUES & WED from 8:00AM - 3:30PM
• There are programs to help those who have experienced Military Sexual Trauma. You are not alone and do not have to heal your trauma by yourself. The VA Programs & Services are available as well as the MST team to help the men and women who have suffered.
  • Location: VAMC, D 5025
• National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics offers a search of clinics in your area
• Gennesaret Free Clinics provide medical and dental care to those who are unable to afford insurance or are homeless (Marion County)
• IU School of Dentistry: 1121 W. Michigan St. provides dental care by students under a dentist's supervision. Services typically are available for fees lower than those charged by private dentists. Most insurance companies are accepted. Cash, check, money order, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB and Discover Cards are accepted. For information, call (317) 274-7433 option #1. (Marion County)
• Indianapolis Mobile Vet Center offers one-on-one support to veterans and their families with counseling, referrals and guidance. Although there are specific counties they serve (Marion, Franklin, Fayette, Union, Wayne, Henry, Rush, Decatur, Madison, Hancock, Shelby, Tipton, Hamilton, Johnson, Clinton, Boone, Hendricks, Morgan, Montgomery, Putnam, Clay, Vigo, Parke, Fountain, Vermillion), they may have resources similar to theirs in other areas
• Educational Guide About Veterans & Substance Abuse provided by DrugRehab.com
• Hamilton Center has 12 locations which offer assistance for a wide variety of mental health assistance programs, to include Terre Haute's MVPs (Military Veteran Program) for families, students and PTSD
• Do you have hearing loss that makes it difficult to talk with friends and family over the phone? See if you qualify for a free CapTel (Captioned Telephone) when you submit a form completed with third party certification.
• If you are low-income and needing medical treatment, HealthNet may be able to assist with your medical and dental needs. (Marion)
• VA Caregiver Support offers services, resources and information to the caregiver of veterans.
• If you or someone you know is suffering mental health, addiction or substance abuse concerns, Start Moving Forward help find the facilities and resources to fit those needs.
• PTSD coaching and the National Center for PTSD is available for those experiencing trauma with tools, support and treatment information.
• With multiple locations throughout the state, Centerstone provides mental health and addiction/abuse counseling as well as community researched resources.
• Income based healthcare may be available through ASPIN
• Do you know if you qualify for Supplemental Social Income? Whether you're a wounded warrior, or have a child who may be eligible, the benefit eligibility screening tool will provide guidance if do or do not qualify.

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Military Records & Benefits

• Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors (PDF)
• Obtain DD214 and personnel records for you or a deceased family member through the National Archives
• Tricare
• VA Home Loan
• Schedule to learn more and apply to federal benefits you may be eligible to receive at the Indianapolis Regional Office
• DFAS
• Review your disability documentation, update information for your VA claims, download VA letters through EBenefits
• Military ID - find a DEERS location

Specific Identifiable Groups

• Center for Minority Veterans
  • A Minority Veterans Program Coordinator (MVPC) is available in the state's regional office, health care facility and national cemetery
  • Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans (ACMV)
  • Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU)
    • Center for Women Veterans
    • African American/Black Veterans
    • American Indian and Alaskan Native Veterans
      • Native American Home Loan
    • Asian American and Pacific Islander Veterans
    • Hispanic Veterans

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Miscellaneous​

• Empowering Patriots - assists with veterans who are suffering the effects of PTSD, TBI, MST and other physical or psychological disabilities by connecting them with rescued dogs and providing various dog training programs at no cost to them or their families
• Mattress Clarity - What veterans should know about sleep:  Studies show that veterans, especially women, may be more likely to suffer from fibromyalgia. Our guide has practical advice for dealing with the sleep disorders often associated with fibromyalgia, such as restless leg syndrome and insomnia. Additionally, our overarching veteran’s sleep guide addresses other reasons veterans may have trouble sleeping and strategies to get better rest.
• Transportation Assistance - IndyGo is now offering FREE fixed route rides to Veterans (directions are on the PDF link)
• If you are needing assistance with your current situation, try Military OneSource for 24/7 access to online and telephonic information. Even if a person is not eligible for services, you will receive a resource or suggestion for additional information.
• Make The Connection offers multiple resources and information available to veterans, those currently serving and their family members
• In your most difficult time of burying a loved one,there are funeral homes able to assist you through this process
  • Indiana Funeral Care Pricing and information is available in the Help for Veterans & Their Families brochure.
  • Flanner Buchanan - Veterans Death Benefits & Cremation Services

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Peer 2 Peer Support, Enrichment Groups & Alternative Therapy

• Warrior's Hope (Greenwood)
• Operation Combat Bikesaver (Crown Point)
• Indiana Vet to Vet Inc. - search for peer support groups in your area. These groups offer a safe environment to interact with other veterans.
• Team RWB
• Survivor Outreach Services - this organization is specialized in assisting families of fallen service members with various resources to help them through the process of losing a loved one.
• Groups for Women Veterans
• Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered recovery program that is a safe place for attendees to discuss their struggles. You can find a location near you
• YES to Vets Yoga offers yoga sessions for veterans and their families at no cost. The locations are in Speedway,  Nora, the Benjamin Harrison YMCA and the Pike Townshi p YMCA .
• Little Red Door works with children and adults who have been diagnosed with cancer. They offer many different resources and events throughout the year, to include a Family Camp for children (under 18) who've been diagnosed with cancer and live in Indiana. This camp focuses on family connection and has many different activities such as swimming, archery, rock climbing and much more
• JOSH (Just Out Saving Hearts) was established in an effort to bring awareness and resources so that lives can be saved when options of hope are known
• Find a Fleet Reserve Association to join and spend time with a community of other sea services personnel (Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard)
• Indiana Marine For Life offers monthly networking opportunity events and assistance to Marines & their family members who are looking to pursue a career, education and business ownership (Marines, Fleet Marine Force Navy Corpsman, Fleet Marine Force Chaplains and their Spouses)
• Pass The Torch For Women Foundation offers women a community to grow through professional mentorship for leadership and development. You can learn more by going to their website.

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Volunteering

• Veteran Health Indiana depends on the generosity of our community partners, benefactors and volunteers in giving back to our American heroes. Our volunteers help enhance the Veterans health care experience at our facilities throughout the state. Thank you for taking the time to learn about how you can help.  If you are interested in becoming a VA Voluntary Service (VAVS) volunteer or have questions about donating, please contact us at INDVoluntary@va.gov
• Seeking attorneys for pro bono cases: Volunteer Lawyer Program of Northeast Indiana
• Give a few hours of your time to assist in clinics around Indianapolis: Gennesaret Free Clinics
• Habitat for Humanity
• United Way
• Horseshoes of Hope - The Horseshoes of Hope Rough Riders program is directed towards Veterans and their families of any age who have been diagnosed with PTSD, TBI, Physical Injuries, various emotional and psychological challenges, or are affected by homelessness. Our equine-assisted activity and therapy programs are tailored to address specific issues faced by military personnel and their family members.
• Empowering Patriots (Porter & Lake county)
• Housing Grants for Disabled Veterans
• Home Improvements and Structural Alterations
• Rebuilding Together
• Servants at Work, Inc. (SAWs)
• 100 Black Men of Indianapolis
• Little Red Door works with children and adults who have been diagnosed with cancer
• Make-A-Wish (Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana) has many various volunteer opportunities available for children who have been diagnosed with a critical illness
• Looking for a way to engage with your neighbors and be proactive in your community? Try out programs such as Adopt-A-Block
• If you're caring for a loved one at home, Just Friends Adult Day Services, which is located in Columbus, offers a variety of services for the person they care for, along with the caregiver.

Looking for other places? Try VolunteerMatch

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